Sateen is usually a cotton fabric that has a
satin-like feel. It's often found in bed sheets and other textiles throughout
the world. Sateen is usually 100% woven cotton, although it is occasionally
formed from rayon. Like percale, sateen method in which the sheet was woven.
The weave is what gives the sateen sheet its soft, satin-like feel. The
material is lustrious and smooth to the touch. Only carded or combed
yarns are used. Combed cotton is screened from impurities. The best quality
sateen is mercerized to give it a higher sheen. Mercerized
cotton has been treated with sodium hydroxide to shrink it and increase its
luster and affinity for dye. It is also makes it more mildew resistant and
stronger. Some sateen sheets are only calendared to produce the sheen. This is
when the fabric is pressed between two rolling pins to give it a glossier
appearance. This is lower-grade sateen. The sheen will eventually fade away
with a few washings. This is not considered genuine sateen. Genuine sateen can
be bleached, dyed, or printered.